The funding is a part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) programme to enable transmutation of the commercial nuclear stockpile.
Next-generation fusion company SHINE Technologies (SHINE) was recently selected to received funding from the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).
This funding is part of the Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimised Now (NEWTON) programme – a programme developing advanced transmutation technologies to reduce the mass, volume, activity and effective half-life of the existing stockpile of commercial used nuclear fuel (UNF).
Across its 11 projects, the NEWTON project aims to turn the intergenerational challenge of UNF disposal into something that can be managed today.
Unlocking the value of spent fuel
As a part of this initiative, SHINE is developing its Recover Elements – Destroy Undesirables – Create Energy (REDUCE) method. This innovative process focuses on reducing the volume, longevity and hazards of nuclear waste while recovering valuable materials, such as uranium and plutonium, for advanced reactor fuel.
Residual waste will be transmuted into less hazardous forms using a molten salt target coupled to an external neutron source. By advancing simulation, laboratory testing and design, SHINE’s approach demonstrates the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of nuclear energy generation.
“Spent nuclear fuel contains significant untapped energy potential,” says Ross Radel, CTO of SHINE Technologies. “Our REDUCE method represents a transformative approach to nuclear waste. By recovering valuable elements and transmuting remaining materials, we’re developing a more sustainable cycle for nuclear energy – one that creates value while minimising environmental impact.”
“Nuclear technology is essential to meeting our nation’s rapidly growing power needs, but UNF is a complicated and expensive part of the equation,” says Evelyn N. Wang, MIT professor and former ARPA-E Director. “NEWTON technologies aim to use transmutation to shorten UNF disposal timelines and reduce the long-term costs of disposal facilities. This would also help reduce the price of this valuable source of baseload power.”
Market impact and strategic partnerships
Nuclear power provides nearly 20% of US electricity as the country’s largest carbon-free energy source. With 90,000 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel stored across the country, SHINE’s REDUCE method under the ARPA-E NEWTON programme represents a crucial technological advancement for sustainable nuclear energy.
Through strategic partnerships with companies such as Zeno Power, Orano and Deep Isolation, SHINE is building an industry coalition to transform nuclear waste management.
The REDUCE method complements these efforts by focusing on volume reduction and transmutation, reinforcing SHINE’s role as a leader in nuclear innovation. These technologies not only reduce nuclear waste but unlock its potential as a resource, representing a significant step forward in creating a sustainable and carbon-free energy future.
Learn more about SHINE here.
Source: SHINE Technologies LLC
